The preferred site for a new-build leisure centre and theatre was agreed at a full council meeting on Wednesday.

This decision also means that neither Shawwood Park nor Broomburn Park will now be considered as potential options and will remain as protected urban green space.

The next stage in the process will be when a further report is brought back before councillors in due course outlining the detailed options and costs of the proposed new facility.

Council leader Tony Buchanan said: “We are ambitious and want to provide the very best facilities for our residents, so I’m delighted that we have now agreed a preferred site to progress with plans for a new leisure centre and theatre. This will be a significant development for East Renfrewshire and it was vitally important that we looked at all options before making a decision.

“A significant amount of work has been put in to ensure that every possibility has been explored, and this decision is a positive step forward. I look forward to seeing more detailed plans as we move forward with this exciting plan.”

A six-week consultation held in May/June 2018 showed that 87% of residents who responded supported improved leisure facilities within the Eastwood area being created to meet the future needs of people in the area.

In October last year , councillors asked the council’s director of environment to specifically explore how feasible it would be to build a new leisure centre and theatre in Eastwood Park.

The new proposal agreed by councillors outlines that whilst a significantly improved facility could be built within Eastwood Park, it would not be possible to include four additional pitches.

Whilst there would be challenges working around the site constraints, it is proposed that the new centre could still include a six-lane 50m swimming pool, additional teaching pool and flumes, spectator seating area, 140-station gym, spin studio, six-court sports hall, theatre space, health suite, café, multifunctional cultural space and an interactive play area.

The proposed new facility could potentially be built over two floors at a site adjacent to the current facility, allowing it to continue operating during the construction period and ensuring there would be no major disruption to leisure provision during this time.

As part of a  wider masterplan of Eastwood Park, the vision is to develop improved outdoor space that can enjoyed by people working within the park and for those who  visit and use it for recreational purposes.